This thread is permanently archived
[Setting] The Castle, Tech Clinic
| > A motorcycle engine can be heard before it abruptly stops. Shortly after, a short figure in what looks like a reinforced racing suit walks in. The helmet doesn’t look as fancy. They walk up to the counter, voice muffled by the helmet
“This is a store for electronics, right? I’m searching around for some material to work with to do some upgrades and repairs”
> They put their hands on the counter, which isn’t highly intimidating, due to their short stature
| "Oi, this is the right place, right? We ain't getting to some kind of brothel, right?"
> A feminine voice echoes throughout the hallway, with one annoyed tone to match. Pinpointing the location, it seems the voice isn't too far from the settlement.
"It is! It is. When you want to go cheap, you need to get into the shadier places."
> Another voice replies, this time of a man, and they spoke with a more composed pace.
| >>643837
"That's a bike I know."
> Once the voice nears the settlement, the accompanying sound of footsteps stop. The other continues, revealing themselves as a man with jet-black hair and a mediocre 5'11. He wears a formal attire, of suits and trousers.
"I vaguely remember the bike."
> The man says, to the figure still yet uncovered.
"It's that gal again."
> She steps closer. It's a short girl with bangs coloured in a dim gold hue, and a casual shirt-and-skirt with her.
| >>643863
"Perfect. I have a list of things that I need to grab for these repair jobs. Got it written down somewhere."
> They pat themselves down and pull a neatly written list from what looks like an ammo pouch. A very detailed list can be read. It almost looks like they're trying to rebuild something with all the visual gear needed
"How much will this run do you reckon? I still have a few more things to pick up"
| >>643837
>At the new arrivals, the shop keeper lifts an eyebrow, it's pretty rare for folks to actually show up here
"Well, we do sell electronics, but we mostly make repairs ourselves or tuning. If you want actual parts, we get ours from the Gher Lavi-Ratory under the highway near here."
>The shopkeep looks at the bike-rider with a listless gaze, not minding the strange get-up
| >>643866
>She gives the memo a look and scratches the back of her neck
"I can draft you an estimate if you get me a few seconds."
| >>643866
"It's that…"
> The man steps hurriedly inside. His steps were loud, owing to the shoes he wore. There isn't many that can rival this sound -- he definitely dons an augmented legs.
"Hey!"
> He taps the figure by the counter, revealing his presence, if it wasn't already done before.
"Dusty, was it?"
> His friendly smile cops any hostility that would've appeared long before.
| >>643868
"Thanks. Figured this place is better than a cold factory. You might know how to get certain... special things if I need them anyway."
>>643870
> Dusty looks at the person. She can't get the best look through her visor so she flips it up, revealing her eyes. It's clear from gaze alone that it's the one and only.
"Last I checked, Dusty's my name. Or at least as far as you should be concerned"
| >>643875
"Seems to me like you're running repairs. What kind are we talking?"
>The shopkeeper begins scribbling down
"Ain't asking for curiosity's sake. Frankly, it might be less expansive for you to let me fix whatever you have, if it's only that much."
>She looks at the new arrival as well
| >>643876
"The fire-control group for my machine gun got busted, so that has to be replaced. Some of the various sensors in the same... area also are damaged. And I need to see if I can upgrade my optic systems with this special low-light tech I got my hands on."
> She trails off a bit, especially upon saying 'hands on.'
"I've done the repairs on my gear so I feel most comfortable handling them, you see? Plus, I have trade secrets in there too"
| >>643877
"I see. That's rough, but in that case I can only sell you the parts at resale price."
>She puts down the thing she scribbled on and passes it over, it's an estimate for all the pieces
>The price is a bargain, despite her words
"But well, I get these parts cheap from an aquiantance, next time you should pay her warehouse a visit, she'll get you the stuff much cheaper."
| >>643875
> She finds a familiar man in a suit. It's… Sora?
"Hey, sorry for the last time. Things got worse, I hear."
> He scratches the back of his head, chuckling in a heartfelt matter. Behind him, teeters a short, feminine figure with a single hand wearing a casual shirt and a plain skirt that extends to the end of her legs.
"Didn't expect you to be here, pal."
> She says. It's no other than Sora's accompanying figure, Lucetta.
| >>643878
“Don’t worry about money. That’s my issue to worry about. But do give me the details on the warehouse. I’d like to pay it a visit with the Old Man.”
> She pulls out a cred stick and tosses it nonchalantly on the counter.
“Do what you need to. I’m not in too big a hurry, I guess”
| >>643880
>The shopkeep goes to the back for a bit, taking the list with her
>As she does, someone else enters the shop, a somewhat short woman with long black hair and blue eyes
>The newcomer immediately takes a seat in the small waiting space next to the reception and glances at the other clients
| >>643879
> She gets a good look at him. Her eyes narrow and she flips her visor back down.
“Got worse is one way to put it. I figured you got blown back to Truth Or Consequences given how little of you I saw. The Thorn looks to be fine, given how it’s all their fucking fault.”
> She eyes Lucetta. Surprisingly, she shows restraint.
“What do you lot want? I’ll take hide and hair if you hurt my Kingfisher too”
| >>643884
"Oh… I… you aren't wrong, but—"
> Lucetta steps closer to Sora and elbows him straight where his kidneys are. Approximately, at least.
"He's fine. We have a special treament for dead."
> She says in his stead, with Sora rubbing his stomach and growling in pain.
"We're looking for parts, like you are."
> She then answers the question posed.
| >>643890 >>643884
>The new arrival is still eyeing the conversation with dead eyes
>It's at this moment that the shopkeeper comes back, a bag of parts in hand
"This here is all you'll need."
>She notices the other girl and gives her a short nod
| >>643890
“Looking for parts? Maybe you’ll be able to find something to add some sense into your skulls, both of you.”
> She turns her back on the two of them. Her leg still was bandaged underneath the suit, meaning a fight wouldn’t be ideal. Nor in a space that wasn’t hers.
>>643891
> She then shifts and grabs the bag. She flips the visor up once more and makes sure it’s all good before looking back at the girl
“Why thank you. Glad to know people can be professional still.”
| >>643892
"If I wasn't, would make running a business a tad of a shit."
>She takes the credstick and imputs it into her register, then turning to the others behind Dusty
"You guys looking for something as well?"
| >>643892
"Duly noted. It's good knowing your vocabulary never change."
> Lucetta shrugs off the comment, walking closer to the counter as she does.
>>643893
"I'll be looking for servos, motors, gyroscopes…"
> Her sentences trail when she goes into a deeper thought. Knowing her traits, Sora steps to the counter as well, handing a piece of note listing everything she needs.
"Boss, you kinda need a better memory."
> He says in sigh.
"That's why I've got you."
> She chuckles.
| >>643895
"...Well, like I said, I don't really deal in parts, I deal in the actual fixing work."
>The shopkeep nonetheless takes the memo and reads it
"Maybe expand your services then."
>The woman comments, a sly grin on her face
"I'm good."
| >>643896
"If that's what you're for then… mind checking my arm? See if you've got anything for it."
> She points to the stub where an arm used to be. The memo picked by the shopkeeper literally read the same too — "Just get her an aug."
| >>643899
>The shopkeep nods
"Mind taking a seat this way?"
>She points towards the end of the counter, where a seat is set
"If you need an aug or a prosthetic, I'll need to actually check out a few things."
>The other girl raised an eyebrow
| >>643895
> Dusty says nothing at the remark. But then remembers the trophy she got to keep after it was all said and done. She stretches out and puts a hand over her head like to mimic fawning
“I guess I *do* have to at least say thanks for the trophy. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to upgrade my optics. You were useful to me after all, runt.l
> The pot called the kettle black and began to make her way out the door
“Ta ta! Don’t come back to my shop!”
| >>643902 >>643903
> Sora pushes the girl lightly to the direction of the seat. He's left himself hearing Dusty's words, giving not much to react, being unable to comprehend what had happened beforehand.
"That's one more shop you're banned from, boss."
> He sighs. The girl timidly walks to the seat, following as instructed -- she seems to be holding at least several insults to Dusty, but it's no use now.
| >>643906
>The shopkeep simply raises an eyebrow at the commotion before sitting across from Lucetta
"Alright, let me see."
>She's taken out a measuring tape
| >>644023
> The lithe body of Lucetta proves to be barely any size bigger than a typical high school girl of 5' stature -- with measurements only disappointing in certain areas.
"What goes it around? I never knew the store myself."
| >>644082
>The shopkeep begins taking the measurements for the augment, making sure to note them down
"I see... hmm..."
>She finishes and then nods a few times
"Alright girl, you want an Aug or a Prosthetic? By which I mean, you want it wired into you or not?"
| >>644096
"Prosthetic would be best, but don't think that will fit what I need."
> She gives the choice a hard thought, lending little time to her own decision.
"I don't think Uni would mind the aug."
> The man by the other side says. He glances at the other woman inside, taking note of her appearance -- but only making himself to be a wide target to be accused of voyeurism.
"She won't. But she can't really interact with it as far as things are concerned."
> She replies.
| >>644102
>The girl sitting a little ways away merely smirks at the gaze and waves a little
>Meanwhile, the shopkeep nods and begins taking out a box from under her counter
"Well, if it's a prosthetic... I got base models. I'll use those as the... huh... base of the actual thing. So next would be picking the build."
"You're being way too roundabout, Illya."
>The girl chuckles
| >>644228
>The shopkeeper, Illya, sighs
"Basically, how do you want your arm to feel and look like. Some people like their augs or prosthetics to mimick their old limb, some want it to be better and stronger."
>The girl nods
| >>644229
"Keep it stock. I'll do the overpowering myself."
> The girl chuckled. It didn't take long for her to answer this question, as if confident in that ability she mentions.
>>644228
> The man flusters the moment he was found dirty of his action. He throws the gaze to Lucetta, but heeds not attention to her conversation with Illya.
| >>644258
"Alright then."
>She pulls out a large box and opens it, revealing a set of prosthetic parts
"This is my base model, it's a CRI HJ Mk5, it's biggest selling point is that it's compatible with almost all commercial parts."
>She begins attaching the parts to Lucetta
"Tell me when it feels tight enough."
| >>644772
"What's your policy with modded par—… ow-OW… that's tight inside."
> Lucetta flinches at moments after the parts were installed onto her. It didn't take long for her to feel the force either -- this is obviously her first augmentation, or at least, the first that she had to install without her own hands.
| >>644779
"Modded parts aren't officially supported, so using them voids any warrenties, but this here model is completely compatible with any parts that use common mods or ports. Frankly, if you manage to break CRI merchandise, then nothing will ever work out for you."
>She stops tightening the parts and takes out a multi-tool
"Alright, try moving your arm around, I'll adjust until it feels natural."
| >>644782
"Here we…"
> Whatever Lucetta tried to do with the hand fails miserably as it ended up hitting her hip with a gentle open punch. A failure of a slap, too.
"Ow. Can you, adjust… it?"
> She rubs the impact point. Slowly, gently, then she can feel the heat radiating outwards. At which time, she stops ever trying to console the pain -- and chose to grimace at it instead.
| >>644785
"...You aren't very dextruous, yeah?"
>Despite the somewhat biting comment, the shopkeeper's eyes and face remain as deadpan as ever
"Alright, let me adjust."
>She fiddles with the pieces with her multi-tool
"Alright, try again."
| >>644786
> She moves the arm… in a very stiff manner. Robotic, in fact, if the arm weren't already appearing like one. One by one, her new fingers reacted better to the stimuli sent from her other senses.
"I got the hang of it."
> She tries to wave to Sora, but notices the man facing elsewhere -- with a reddened face to boot.
| >>644788
"Alright, let me keep at it for a bit."
>She begins playing with some of the wiring
"Try to clench your fist, tight please."
>The other woman is chuckling
"What a DT, pufufufu."
>Her words barely make it to the two
| >>644790
"One, two, th—"
> Lucetta moved the fingers again, but not without struggling to keep the arm contained in one spot.
"—Okay, I admit I wasn't the best at tennis."
> The fingers finally close after she exerts enough mental command. The clench was only formed after said fingers could close for more than one second.
| "D-DT?!"
> The man's words, however, is extremely clear for everyone to hear. He blurted out the most, making it sound like a declaration of lost hope.
"Wh-wha—?"
| >>644805
"Alright, let me see... Keep it like that. You know what grip strength you had before?"
>She plays with the wires, slowly adjusting the force
>>644806
>The woman laughs out loud
"Ahaha! Young man, please, it was just a jest, handsome as you are, I have no doubt you've seen *some* action!"
| >>644810
"Maybe? How can I tell? It's my left arm -- I use it once a week."
> She pushes herself to remember the fond memory of having a left arm, manifesting as her closing her eyes and -- not remembering anything at all, causing her new arm to wildly vary in its outputted strength.
"I HAVE seen some action, so shush!"
> The man settles down to a slower approach, but left things worse for himself. He holds his composure, failing in that regard too.
| >>644863
>The shopkeeper nods a few times and then fixes something
"There, tell me if it feels off, wrong or otherwise strange. It's normal for you to not be used to it yet, augs don't just negate the need for rehab after all. Basically, if it twitches for no reason, or feels strange, that's when you should be worried."
>The other girl chuckles
"You did seem the type, but a little shy. I like them that way."
| >>644940
"It feels itchy. Like, in that spot. I guess this works better now."
> She lifts the arm, still moving stiff but better than having to slam herself down a few. The rigidity of her movements were lessening the more she repeats a certain motion: up and down, and a grip.
"Y-you lik—… no, you can't be, right?"
> The man has now resorted to his only defence; stay still, don't move, and guard.
| >>644949
"I can't be... what? Fufu."
>The girl licks her lips
"Well, it will feel a tad itchy for a bit, but don't worry, it'll stop eventually."
>Illya nods as she seals off the inside of the arm
"Last thing to do is install the firmware into that, make sure no scriptkiddie somehow takes control of you arm. I'll put in the normal one, try and change it out later with one of your own, it'll be much better that way."
| >>644951
> The man shudders. He can't land his eyes onto her, as with his unending attempt to look away.
"Oh, I'll be the scriptkiddie. Got any docs on the firmwares? Or do I need to decompile them on my own?"
> Lucetta replies, hoping to spark a topic she can immerse herself in.
| >>644961
>Illy shrugs
"You know how corps work, they won't sell proprietary stuff. But it's easy to make your own, if you know anything about coding. But to be frank, you could also block all outside signals... but that can cause it's own set of problems."
>She sighs
>The woman chuckles again
"So cute."
| >>644965
"Right, right. 'Least now I get to test the new arm for typing."
> Lucetta stared daggers at Sora. Whether she was aware of his childish act is another issue, entirely, but now that Sora has met her eyes--
"Oi, the hell are you doing flirting with randos?"
> She exclaims. Sora is now faced between two hard place.
"It-it really wasn't me!"
> Yet, his defence is as frail as ever, now that it has been reduced to a mere nothing.
| >>644998
"Oh no, miss, I was flirting with him, not the other way around."
>The girl chuckles
"Alice, please stop sexually harrassing my customers."
>Illya sighs as she finishes up on the arm
"Don't mind her, she just likes messing with people, especially younger man."
"You make me sound like some cougar."
"Aren't you over 50, you damn loli-hag?"
>The girl shrugs
| >>645217
"Fi…fifty?!"
> Sora couldn't care less about actual numbers. His eyes glazed, they couldn't believe what they were seeing. He paints the word 'denial' with the blood rushing to his brain, collecting to form thoughts that simply voices as-
"How?!"
> Lucetta sighs at the hopelessness of the situation; she is about ready to test the new arm for something.
| >>645270
"That's rude, young man."
>The girl sighs
>Illya merely shrugs
"You ever going to teach me that trick?"
"No way."
| >A tall, warmly dressed cat boomer knocks on the door before letting herself in. Her face is partially hidden by a rebreather mask and her hood is halfway up.
| >>645549
"That was real rude, idiot."
> Lucetta repeats as Sora is staring at her now, possibly as a way of avoidance, but also as an SOS signal to start packing up.
"Wh-wha-what am I supposed to do then?!"
> It was at this point did Sora catches on: he is awful at talking with women.
| >>645699
>Illya sends the cat boomer a look
"Hello there, here for a repair?"
>>645934
>The other girl, Alice, simply shrugs at the two
| > The cat boomer nods and holds up her augmented arm, though interestingly it had the slight haze of an advanced holographic cloak. It seemed she was trying to make it glitch to imply that she needed to be somewhere private to have it worked on.
"You have a private room, right? I got referred to from the matrix."
| >>646346
"I do, a lot of my customers like privacy, especially those whose augs are company secrets."
>She leans back into her chair and then stands up
"Alice, tell me if anyone else comes in."
"I don't work here."
>Illya shrugs and invites the catboomer to follow her through the back door
>Alice simply sighs
"Guess I do now..."
| >>646498
"Dunno about that. I'm just trying not to have any awkward experiences."
>She replied gruffly before following the woman toward the back as invited.
| >>646539
>The shop keeper nods a few times
"Well, there are those types, too."
>The back room is one befitting the Clinic part of Tech Clinic, with a slew of instruments and machines neatly arranged around a small table
"Have a seat, miss."
>Illya herself sits down, grabbing a set of goggles and putting them over her head as she does
"So, what kind of problem are you having?"
| >>646632
"It's something wrong with the nerve system. When I send a neurotransmition to be executed...It'll work fine unless I'm doing something precise. My fingers start locking up starting with the middle and then the pinkie glitches..."
> She grumbled all of this while dispelling the holographic cover for the arm. In which case a military grade shell was revealed. Clearly a class 5 militech prosthetic.
| >>647535
>Illya does a low whistle
"This isn't some kid's first aug. But nothing I haven't touched before, just lay your arm there."
>She puts on gloves and and lowers her goggles, which look like the kind a dentist would have, but with many more lenses
| > The cat boomer did as she was told and adjusted to get more comfortable.
"...Good to know. I think it may have started acting up after I...dealt with a huge impact on the forearm's casing. I didn't notice it was cracked until yesterday..."
This thread is permanently archived
| >In an alleyway, far from the main street, and tucked between two suspicious establishments is The Castle, a Tech clinic dealing in augments, prostethics and a great many other things
>Today too, the Owner, Illya Steins sits behind the counter, a bored look on her face